LAUSR

The overwhelming majority of diagnostic coronary angiographies and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are performed via radial access as recommended by the current European revascularization guidelines. Using dedicated pressure bandages for the radial access site in high-volume centres can be a significant part of the budget of catheterization laboratories, therefore we developed a cost-effective pressure bandage utilizing wrapped empty glass vials of intravenous medications. Furthermore, compression time of the radial puncture site following PCI is a predictor of radial artery occlusion, therefore shortening the period of compression to as short as possible is feasible. Our aim was to validate efficacy and safety of our cost-effective pressure bandage by comparing it to two dedicated devices, as well as reducing length of compression to as short as possible. We designed the RAD-PRESS trial, major inclusion criteria of which were first puncture of a radial artery with a diameter greater than 1.8mm, PCI performed as per guidelines utilizing a 6 French guiding catheter and age below 80 years. Patients were then randomized to receive one of three pressure bandages: the glass vial, Seal-One or the gold standard TR-band. Release of pressure was performed as fast as possible in 10-minute steps, and guided by pulse oximetry. Hematoma formation was thoroughly checked for all patients and categorized using the Easy scale. Radial artery patency was investigated by ultrasound 24 hours after final removal of the bandage. The data of 40 patients of every group was analysed. Population characteristics were similar among the groups. Length of compression time (126±10, 142±11 and 144±11 mins for Vial, Seal-One and TR-band, respectively, p>0.05), hematoma formation (Easy Grade 1 in 17.5%, 15.0% and 10.0%, Easy Grade 2 in 5.0%, 7.5% and 7.5% for Vial, Seal-One and TR-band, respectively, all p>0.05) were not significantly different among the groups. Radial artery occlusion occurred in only 2 patients (Vial and TR-Band groups), accounting for 1.7% of the cases. The cost-effective wrapped vial strategy to compress the radial puncture site was comparable to both Seal-One and the gold standard TR-band regarding safety and efficacy. Furthermore, compression time could be safely shortened to approximately 2.5 hours. Type of funding source: None